Greg Biffle, retired NASCAR star, and his family were killed in a plane crash Thursday morning in North Carolina.
NASCAR said in a statement that they are “devastated” by the deaths of Biffle and his family, as well as Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton.
“Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”
The footage below was shared on social media, and it shows smoke billowing from the airport in the aftermath of the crash.
A joint statement from the families of the victims called Biffle and his wife “devoted parents and active philanthropists.”
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement reads.
“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.”
A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration told HuffPost that six people were on board at the time of the crash at 10:20 a.m. Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport. State police, however, told reporters that seven people were killed in the “single-airplane crash.” The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Biffle and his wife, Cristina Biffle, a real estate agent, had two kids, 5-year-old Ryder and 14-year-old Emma. All four were on the plane.
Garrett Mitchell, known as his YouTuber persona Cleetus McFarland, wrote on Facebook that Biffle and his family were on their way to see him.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this,” Mitchell wrote.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein called the family’s deaths “heartbreaking.”
“Heartbreaking news out of Statesville,” Stein wrote on social media. “Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash.”
In a September feature for WFMY, Biffle said he bought a helicopter six months before Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina in September 2024. He used that helicopter to help rescue people from the hurricane, and drop off food and supplies.